Ulysses S. Grant signs over a land deed for the site located on Howell Mountain. Theron Ink, a Napa Valley pioneer and one of California’s most successful agriculturists, moves his family to the property. The first vines are planted.

Theron Ink begins building Ink Grade Road to connect his land holdings from Pope Valley, enabling him and other nearby families to ship wine to Napa Valley. 10 gallons of wine from Ink Grade vineyard are sold in St. Helena.

A number of wineries are established on Howell Mountain while mining flourishes in the area.

Prohibition bans wine production in Napa Valley and across the United States, lasting for 13 years.

The Howell Mountain AVA is established, making it the first AVA within the greater Napa Valley AVA. It develops a world-class reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Heitz Cellar purchases Ink Grade.

Vines are planted under the helm of Heitz Cellar and a small portion is used in their Napa Valley Cabernet.

Gaylon M. Lawrence Jr. purchases Heitz Cellar, including Ink Grade. He appoints Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr. as the President and CEO.

McCoy and Lawrence form Lawrence Wine Estates. Ink Grade is launched as a stand-alone project led by Winemaker Matt Taylor.

The wines of Ink Grade include Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain Merlot, Andosol Red Field Blend, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

“There’s a reason why wine lovers revere Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain AVA. These are some of the most coveted wines in the region due to their power and ageabilty." - VinePair